Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

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There’s something undeniably cozy about hot cocoa in cookie form. These Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies capture all the magic of a winter night by the fire—marshmallows, rich chocolate, and that soft, satisfying chew in every bite. Imagine your favorite mug of cocoa transformed into a holiday treat that’s perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or sneaking straight off the cooling rack.

The base is a chocolate lover’s dream: deep, fudgy, and tender. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, each cookie is topped with a gooey marshmallow half and a smooth chocolate glaze that sets to a perfect shine. Finished with festive sprinkles, they’re as charming to look at as they are to devour.

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What Kind of Cocoa Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder—preferably Dutch-processed for its deep, smooth profile. You can use natural cocoa if that’s what you have on hand, but Dutch-processed will bring out a more intense chocolatey punch. If you want to dial up the decadence, mix in a touch of dark cocoa powder.

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Ingredients for the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their classic deep chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and contributes to the perfect chewy bite.
• Eggs: Help bind the dough and create structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
• Baking soda: Lifts the cookies just enough to avoid being too dense.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Large marshmallows: Sliced in half and melted on top for that gooey hot cocoa finish.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into a glaze for the ultimate topping.
• Heavy cream: Creates a silky ganache-style topping.
• Sprinkles: Optional, but they add fun holiday flair and crunch.

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How To Make the Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. While they bake, cut the marshmallows in half.

Step 4: Add Marshmallows

Remove cookies from the oven and gently press a marshmallow half (cut side down) into the center of each cookie. Return them to the oven for an additional 2 minutes—just enough to slightly melt the marshmallow.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze

While cookies cool, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.

Step 6: Top and Decorate

Spoon a bit of the glaze over each marshmallow-topped cookie and add sprinkles before the glaze sets. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.

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Serving and Storing These Cookies

Serve these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies slightly warm if you can—the marshmallow stays deliciously soft and the chocolate glaze will still have that fresh, rich shine. They’re excellent alongside a warm drink like coffee, milk, or, of course, hot cocoa.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without glaze and marshmallow) and finish them fresh when needed.

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What to Serve With Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies?

A Cozy Mug of Hot Chocolate

Double down on the cocoa experience with a steamy cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or a cinnamon stick.

Creamy Eggnog

Perfect for holiday parties, eggnog adds a rich and festive note that pairs beautifully with these cookies.

Peppermint Ice Cream

If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of peppermint ice cream next to a warm cookie makes for a sensational contrast.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Add a fancy twist by drizzling a bit of salted caramel over the glaze for extra indulgence.

Simple Cold Milk

Nothing beats a cold glass of milk to go with a warm, gooey cookie. It’s classic for a reason.

Espresso or Cappuccino

For the grown-ups, a strong coffee drink cuts the sweetness and enhances the deep cocoa tones.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chewy Hot Cocoa Cookies, you’ll definitely want to try more cozy, creative bakes from Savor Queen:

• Chocolate Cherry Cookies with a burst of fruity richness.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter delight.
• Salted Caramel Cupcakes when you’re in the mood for a cupcake twist.
• Raspberry Cookies if you like fruity meets chewy.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for nostalgic Southern comfort.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe you added peppermint extract or dipped them fully in chocolate? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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